I saw a metal hole forming attachment somewhere, but can't remember the name.

It was a sort of like a drill for sheet metal, but instead of cutting the metal like a twist drill, it would spin, and through friction, heat it red hot and then pierce through leaving a sort of flange. The flange could then be tapped for threads.

The attachment went in a drill press or milling machine, and had a heatsink/fan to keep itself cool. It looked kind of like a tapping head, and would accept different size bits.

Anyone know what I'm talking about? I think I need one now, and can't remember the details.

Thanks,
Walt

NiftyNev

07-14-2009, 09:22 PM

Thermal drilling. Formdrill.

http://www.formdrill.com/english/index.html

Nev

w_hartung

07-14-2009, 10:22 PM

Yup, that's it. Thanks!

DR

07-15-2009, 01:55 AM

Another source for a similar product,

http://www.flowdrill.com/

I have a Flow Drill, acquired with some other stuff. No bits though, so never used it.